Moana Pasifika will not take part in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific competition after New Zealand Rugby confirmed it will not approve the transfer of the franchise’s licence to any new party.
The decision follows the liquidation of the club and the withdrawal of its funders, the Pasifika Medical Association, despite efforts to keep the franchise in the competition.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby says none of the bidders were able to satisfy both the capital and business plan requirements needed to secure the licence.
This means Super Rugby Pacific will move to a 10-team format in 2027.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Financial Officer Chris Kinraid says the decision was made in the best interests of the competition and to provide certainty and stability to sponsors, suppliers, other teams, broadcasters and fans.
Kinraid says the door remains open beyond 2027 if a sustainable long-term solution can be found for a team based in the Pacific Islands.
He says New Zealand Rugby remains willing to engage with any party that can meet the financial and commercial requirements needed to operate a competitive and sustainable team.
Kinraid also acknowledged the engagement of New Zealand Minister Winston Peters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in recognising the role rugby can play in the Pacific region.
He says it has been a difficult period for Moana Pasifika players, management, fans and the communities that supported the team, and while a lot of work went into exploring all possible options for next season, the long-term financial requirements could not be met.
New Zealand Rugby says any party seeking to acquire the licence needed to demonstrate a credible long-term business plan capable of generating sustainable commercial revenue, as well as sufficient committed capital to meet establishment costs, support short-term operations and provide resilience against financial risks.
Kinraid says the assessment was that a party running a competitive team under the Moana Pasifika licence would need commercial revenue of more than NZ$10 million, in addition to broadcast revenue, and at least NZ$15 million in committed capital to support the business plan and maintain cash reserves.
He adds that New Zealand Rugby also received interest in potential future expansion opportunities beyond 2027, including in new markets and the Pacific, which it sees as an encouraging sign for the long-term strength and attractiveness of the competition.
Kinraid says the licence available through this process was specifically for a team representing Moana Pasifika as a pathway for Tonga and Samoa from 2027, and was not a process to establish a new team or enter a new market.
He says any future expansion of Super Rugby Pacific would need to be considered in partnership with Rugby Australia, Super Rugby Pacific and as part of a broader competition strategy.
Super Rugby Pacific is expected to confirm the format for the 2027 competition in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Kanaloa Consortium Chief Executive Tracy Atiga says they are disappointed they were not considered to take over the Moana Pasifika licence.
Atiga says the consortium will go through New Zealand Rugby’s statement and will respond in due course.
Kanaloa Consortium, which includes a number of former All Blacks of Pasifika heritage, had attempted to buy the Moana Pasifika licence in October last year after previously failing in a bid for a Super Rugby Pacific licence in 2021.
The consortium had also secured the support of the rugby unions of Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Niue.
Tonga Rugby Union President Lord Fakafanua, who is also the country’s Prime Minister, says it is a sad day to see Moana Pasifika come to an end after showing so much promise.
He says the union will issue a full response after discussing the matter further.
Source: RNZ
